to hear me say it
i am
dumb,
an idiot,
stupid,
other things i’d rather not spill out here
(though there are ears that can hear that)
(and not think less of)
(me)

though
to hear another say it
…
i
am
loved
(beloved, even)
(and liked)
(and precious in his sight)
even though there are
stumbles and
falters and
mistakes and
failures
yes, yet
still loved
still valued
still in the process
of becoming

so
…
{listen closely}
{the truth still grows}
…
{so}
to hear me say it
i’m not perfect
but
i’m growing
i’m learning
and
am the sum of
victories + failures
and all
the
in-betweens